Australian Council of Social Services calls for $2 billion investment into the community sector

ACOSS is pushing for a $2 billion-a-year increase in funding for the community sector, encouraging the Government to re-evaluate current issues in domestic violence, homelessness and migration programs.

ACOSS has also made a plea to boost social assistance programs such as the Newstart and Youth Allowance rates. By increasing them by at least $75 a week, ACOSS says it will lift more Australians out of poverty and increase economic activity.

"In the last five years the funding climate for essential and innovative community services has been one of chronic uncertainty," the budget statement reads. "Providers cannot plan for quality service delivery, let alone innovate."

The submission said this rebalancing of the budget could be achieved by cutting spending on “wasteful schemes we cannot afford to continue” such as the private health insurance rebate and tax concession for wealthy retirees.